Chapter 23

23

SCARLET

I stepped through the grand front doors of the mansion, still in shock that we'd actually bought this place with the giant library after we'd had an inspection. The sight took my breath away as I headed straight for the room that called to me, the giant floor to ceiling windows illuminating the bookshelves. To think I'd started as a drug baby, and now I was in this palatial home with a library that would make all book-lovers envious.

Home sweet home. How my younger self would balk.

Tyrone had gotten it all sorted yesterday, and we'd gone back to the apartment to pack and move the following day. It had come furnished to some extent, but Tyrone had stated I had full ownership over redecorating if I chose.

I wandered through our new home, marveling at the high ceilings and elegant furnishings. The movers bustled around, carrying the last of our belongings inside under Tyrone's watchful eye.

"We should bake a cake to celebrate," Cristian called out, appearing from the kitchen with a grin.

"Sounds perfect," I replied, unable to keep from smiling as I followed him back to the spacious kitchen. God, how I loved the marble countertops and windows that let in so much sunlight.

Cristian and I gathered ingredients while Tyrone directed the movers, while Julian was off setting up his new office space with all his computer equipment. Soon, Cristian, Tyrone, and I stood around the kitchen island, flour dusting the counters and floor.

"You're doing it wrong," Cristian teased, reaching around me to grab the whisk.

I hip-checked him playfully. "Says who?"

I didn't think there was a way to whisk the wet ingredients together wrong.

Tyrone chuckled, sliding the bowl of dry ingredients closer. It was nice to have him join us for something so light-hearted and different from his usual business mindset, and thankfully, his phone had not sounded off once.

We fell into an easy rhythm, measuring and mixing. Laughter filled the kitchen as flour found its way onto noses and cheeks, along with now wet batter. I dipped a finger into the mix, bringing it to my lips.

"Hey!" Tyrone's hand shot out, catching my wrist. "No raw batter. There's egg in it."

I pouted. "But it's tradition."

"Not risking our baby," he said firmly, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.

I paused, my smile faltering. "Does it bother you guys? Not knowing which of you is the father?"

Cristian and Tyrone exchanged a look, Cristian's lip quirking.

"Not at all," Cristian said, wrapping an arm around my waist.

Tyrone nodded, those dark eyes softening. "It's a Silvestri. That's all that matters."

Warmth bloomed in my chest at their words, and I smiled at them.

"How about some tea?" Cristian offered as he kissed my cheek. "You can relax outside while we finish up here. Enjoy your new home."

The idea of basking in the afternoon sun sounded heavenly, and I was still unable to believe we had this place. "That would be wonderful."

I made my way to the back patio, sinking into a plush lounge chair as I gazed around me in awe.

"Who would've thought," I murmured as I rested my hand on my belly, the warm afternoon sun kissing my skin.

Tyrone joined me after a moment, heading straight for the fire pit before me. He didn't say a word as he set about arranging kindling.

I watched him work, admiring the play of muscles beneath his shirt as he built the fire. There was something about him in his business attire, minus his suit jacket, setting up the pit that made me warm.

And then he had to go and roll his sleeves up. fuck, this day couldn't get any better.

The flames crackled to life, casting a warm glow across the patio. Tyrone stood, brushing off his hands before settling into the chair beside me.

"So, like it here?" he asked, and I scoffed.

"How could I not? Look at this place!"

I took in the lavish surroundings - the sparkling pool, the spacious yard, and the high walls that kept everyone out beyond the expanse of manicured lawn and gardens. Guards were posted on the perimeter, and cameras dotted the landscape. They weren't taking any chances now, and I felt a sense of security wash over me.

We'd be safe here.

"It is a wonderful place," he noted, glancing back towards the mansion as we heard the back door open.

Cristian appeared with a steaming mug of tea, placing it in my hands with a kiss to my forehead. "Enjoy, kitten. I'll keep an eye on the cake."

As he disappeared back inside, I sipped my tea and let out a contented sigh. The fire danced, chasing away the slight chill in the air as the sun began fading over the horizon.

We sat like that, peacefully in the still evening air, the only sound being the crackle of the fire and some birds in the garden.

This was heaven, a life I could've only dreamed of.

Before I knew it, Cristian was returning with slices of the hot cake on a tray, along with s'mores ingredients. Something I'd said this firepit would be great for, and he'd clearly taken note.

He really was turning a new leaf, and it warmed my heart.

Julian followed after him with a few mugs, and offered them to Tyrone and I as Cristian set the tray down on the coffee table before us.

"Hot chocolates to go with it all. I'll get the other two. This should be a celebration of our new place, our family home," he said, smiling warmly at me as I traded my tea mug for hot chocolate.

In minutes, we were all seated around the firepit, roasting our s'mores and laughing as we lost a few to the flames.

Seeing my three men completely at ease and enjoying themselves, it made me nearly forget about the dark life we were tangled in. This was one of the special moments I'd cherish forever.

The sun had set now, and the stars glittered over us as we relaxed. Tyrone kept the fire going with an additional log added, and I helped myself to another small slice of cake before curling up in my chair a bit more.

"I think you need a blanket, love." Tyrone rose and offered me his hand. "Let's get one and come back."

"Really, it's a two-person job?" Julian smirked as Cristian snickered.

"We'll be back," Tyrone said firmly, his tone one that said he wanted a moment with me.

I wondered what it could be as I let him lead me back inside. He paused just past the firepit, sweeping me into his strong arms as I squealed, and carried my bridal style the rest of the way. Cristian whooped behind us, and Julian laughed.

We went straight to his den, where he set me down in his plush executive chair before his giant wooden desk.

"This," he started, pulling some papers from the top drawer and sitting them before me, "is for you. Have a look."

I frowned as I looked over the paperwork, realizing it was a deed to the house. And there was my name, right alongside theirs. This home belonged to all of us.

I felt a lump form in my throat, touched by the gesture.

"This home is ours, it's your safe haven now. Where we will raise our family, and you will live a life you deserve, cherished and protected," he said as he kissed the top of my head.

"Thank you, Tyrone. This means so much to me."

He turned the chair and lifted me up, sitting me down on his desk carefully before placing a soft kiss on my lips. "No, thank you, Scarlet. For choosing this, to stay with us, be with us," he murmured against my skin.

His strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer as the heat between us built, this pure, sweet moment erupting into flames as he continued to kiss me. I could feel his heart racing as my own desire grew.

Tyrone's hands began to roam, pushing my shirt up over my head and tossing it aside. His fingers traced the swell of my breasts, teasing me as I arched into his touch.

It took him less than two minutes to have me naked on his desk, his pants around his ankles as he eased inside of me, drawing a soft gasp from me.

"Look at you, ready and wanting," he moaned against my ear. "I will never tire of having you like this. Of fucking you senseless."

I moaned as he began a slow and steady rhythm, his hand diving between us to tease my clit as I lay back on his desk, the wood warming under my flushed skin.

"But for now, my love, I'll be gentle. Tonight is one to cherish," he said as he thrust into me, rocking me on the table as one hand held my hips in place. I wrapped my legs around him, hissing as he continued with the teasing pressure and swirls over my clit.

"Say my name, Scarlet," he commanded, his voice rough. "Tell me you're mine, that you want me to fuck you."

Holy hell, that shouldn't have me as hot and bothered as it did, but we all were sinners.

"Tyrone, I'm yours, now fuck me, I want you to fuck me," I said, obeying him, and he grunted as he drove deeper inside of me, quickening his pace.

I clawed at his chest and arms, arching as my orgasm reached tipping point.

"That's it, fuck, that's my good girl."

I crumbled, crying out as my body convulsed around his dick, the bliss erupting through me in wonderful waves.

"Fuck." Tyrone followed me over the edge, holding me close as he shuddered against me.

We drew in ragged breaths as our bodies pressed together on the desk, coming down from our highs.

"I wonder just who is growing in there. A little Cristian, Julian, or me?" he mused as he rested his large, warm hand on my stomach.

"I don't know," I replied, my voice soft as I thought of the possibilities.

"It doesn't matter, love. We're all in this together. The baby will be all of ours," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face before he rose up.

He slid out of me, using a box of tissues on his desk to clean himself, before tidying me up as well, causing me to smile.

"Our lives aren't exactly conventional, are they?" I asked as I slid off the desk and began to dress.

Tyrone chuckled, pulling me back against him when I'd barely pulled my underwear on. "No, they're not. But would you have it any other way?"

"No," I said, the answer coming easily. "I wouldn't."

I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I finished dressing. "It's odd to think I started out as your captive."

Tyrone smirked, his dark eyes glinting as he stepped close, now fully dressed again. He pressed a kiss to my temple, his lips lingering against my skin. "Don't get me wrong, Scarlet. You are mine, and I'll kill anyone who tries to take you from me. We all will."

A shiver coursed through me at his words. I knew he meant every word, and part of me reveled in that possessiveness. It was fucked up, but then again, so was our entire situation.

"I know," I whispered, leaning into his touch.

It was not something one should take comfort in, but I couldn't help it. My sick, twisted little heart loved this possessive side of them, this willingness to turn the world upside down for me.

It was something I adored.

Tyrone's arms tightened around me, his warmth enveloping me. We stood like that for a moment, savoring the closeness. It was strange how safe I felt in the arms of a man who had once been my captor, who I knew was capable of such violence. But here, in this moment, I felt protected and safe.

"We should get back to the others," I said finally, reluctantly pulling away. "They'll be wondering where we are."

Tyrone nodded, his hand finding the small of my back as he guided me towards the door. "Let's not keep them waiting. After all, we have a celebration to finish."

As we made our way back outside, I couldn't help but marvel at how much my life had changed. From captive to family, from fear to love - or something close to it. It wasn't perfect, far from it, but it was ours. And as I looked at Tyrone, then at Cristian and Julian waiting by the fire, I knew I wouldn't trade it for anything.